A Canadian Model for Housing and Support of Veterans Experiencing Homelessness

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Canadian Model for Housing and Support for Veterans Experiencing Homelessness (Evaluation Project) was a two-year evaluation project from May 2012 to June 2014 funded through the federal Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS), with in-kind support from Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), the City of London and the four housing with support sites. This participatory action research project developed and evaluated a model of housing and individualized programming to best meet the unique needs of CAF veterans experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.

OBJECTIVES

Enhanced coordination and integration in the provision of housing and other support services for veterans who are experiencing homelessness

Successful transition out of homelessness into sustainable, affordable accommodation, achieving cost savings in the process

KEY AREAS FOR CONSIDERATION FOR PROVIDING HOUSING WITH SUPPORT FOR VETERANS MOVING FROM HOMELESSNESS TO HOME

Programs need to be anchored within the homeless sector with strong community connections to support access to addiction and mental health services.

Establishment of key partners including local branches of the Royal Canadian Legion, VAC, emergency shelter providers and local police services and involve them from the start of any housing-with-support initiative.

A high level of competency by agency staff and leadership is required to address the complexity of needs and services. Formal roles and supervision must reflect this expectation in order to provide a safe competent range of services within a partnership model.

The complex needs of veterans (age or injury related physical accessibility, mental health needs, addiction, street entrenchment) must be considered in the planning stages.

Establishment of a community of practice for mutual support, problem-solving and community integration.

"It takes 90% of the worry that you have about where you are going to be every morning...So without that worry, now you can concentrate on ‘I’m an addict myself ’ and you can concentrate on trying to clean up and get your life back together.”